Keq and equilibrium

[anbuitachi]

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Hi can someone explain to me the difference between Keq and equilibrium in a question. For example, if a question asks what shifts equilibrium, is that different than asking "what shifts Keq?". I'm getting a bit confused about this. Is heat the only one that changes Keq or also changes equilibrium?

 

[SoftwareKevin]

Hi can someone explain to me the difference between Keq and equilibrium in a question. For example, if a question asks what shifts equilibrium, is that different than asking "what shifts Keq?". I'm getting a bit confused about this. Is heat the only one that changes Keq or also changes equilibrium?

The only thing that changes Keq is changing the temperature. Otherwise it's constant for a reaction.

When they talk about shifting equilibrium, I think they're referring to le chatelier's principle. For example, changing concentrations will shift the reactions either towards the reactants or the products, but Keq still remains constant.

 

[docelh]

RE: shifting, just wanted to add that the quantities that make up the numerator and denominator can change even if the the equilibrium constant stays the same.